Caves & Geocaching

Shepherdstown presents a rare mix of opportunities for visitors with a variety of outdoor interests. There is certainly have no shortage of opportunity to hit the mountains and trails, with several state parks close by, and a landscape of mountains and woodlands in every direction.

Geocaching in Eastern Panhandle

Geocaching sites abound in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and nearby Washington County, MD. At last check, their website showed hundreds of sites within just 10 miles of Shepherdstown. Many are related to the area’s rich history – particularly its Civil War history. Caving is also a popular activity in and around Shepherdstown – with its naturally rocky terrain and ecological diversity. A complex and accommodating network of local systems provide cavers, both expert and novice, a memorable chance to descend into ancient tunnels and timeless caverns.

The Crystal Grottoes Caverns were founded in 1920 when the State Roads Commission was quarrying for limestone to build up and pave State Route 34. After successfully quarrying back a cliff that was 35 to 55 feet high and 150 feet deep, an unusual event occurred. The next time they started to drill, they lost their drill bits in the cave. Later, when dynamite was detonated in the drill holes, the first entrance was produced. Open every day from 10:00am to 5:00pm.